Anti-Bullying Programs in Orange County Schools*

Not all Orange County schools use the same technology, Sandy Blumberg procedures and codes to record bullying or harassment incidents. Jeff Cole Dr. José F. Moreno Response to Finding 1: ACSD agrees with this finding. Each District Susan Preus within Orange County may use different student data information systems James Vanderbilt and procedures to track and document bullying or harassment incidents. Regardless of the system used to record bullying or harassment, all incidents prior to July 1, 2012, should have been coded under Education Code section 48900(r). With the implementation of AB 1156, Education Code section 48900(r) provides a common definition of the term "bullying" and therefore enables districts to accurately and consistently identify and document incidences of bullying. Consequently, data across districts will be more easily compared.

New legislation takes effect July 1, 2012, and broadens the definition of "Bullying." Response to Finding 2: The Anaheim City School District agrees that AB 1156 provides a broader and more specific definition of "bullying" than was provided in previous legislation.

Education Code section 234.1 requiring posting of anti- bullying/anti-harassment policies in prescribed areas was not 1001 S. East Street evident in all schools visited. Anaheim, CA 92805-5749 ^ Response to Finding 3: The Anaheim City School District disagrees with Phone: 714-517-7500 this finding as it relates to our district. Prior to July 1, 2012, all ACSD Fax: 714-517-8538 schools consistently posted anti-discrimination/anti-harassment policies in ^ required areas. In response to the implementation of Education Code www.acsd.k12.ca.us 234.1, all ACSD schools had anti-bullying/harassment policies posted in all school offices in English and Spanish, all classrooms, staff lounges and pupil government meeting rooms by July 1, 2012.

Based on witness testimony, confidentiality was not maintained in a bullying incident as prescribed in California Education Code section 234.1 Response to Finding 4: Though the Grand Jury did find that confidentiality was breached regarding a bullying incident in an unidentified school district, The Anaheim City School District regularly provides training to all administrators regarding investigation of harassment and all disciplinary incidents as well as the importance of maintaining confidentiality of students involved. The most recent training was held August 14, 2012. Awareness and prevention of bullying is a priority for all schools. Each school will receive on- going training and support to fully implement the new bullying policy.